Lidded Basket
The distinctive lidded receptacles produced by highly skilled aristocratic Tutsi women rank among the most refined forms of basketry. Great skill was directed toward weaving such miniature marvels in which fine coil sewing and exacting spiral patterns required exacting calculations and stitching. The natural pale gold of these delicate grass structures was enhanced with restrained graphic patterns in a black dye derived from boiling banana flowers.
Artwork Details
- Title: Lidded Basket
- Date: early to mid-20th century
- Geography: Rwanda
- Culture: Tutsi peoples
- Medium: Cane
- Dimensions: H. 2 15/16 × Diam. 2 5/8 in. (7.5 × 6.7 cm)
- Classification: Basketry-Containers
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Carlebach, 1958
- Object Number: 1978.412.326a, b
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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Tutsi artist
Early–mid-20th century
Tutsi peoples
early to mid-20th century
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